Usually, it’s between weeks 14 and 27, you’re finally overcoming the initial woes of getting pregnant. While these do ease up, your belly will start showing more than a slight exuberance. But what if you’re still not feeling well during pregnancy second trimester?
There are physical and emotional changes you should expect in the second three months of your pregnancy. Besides a growing body, you may feel Braxton Hicks contractions or experience patchy skin. Bleeding and nasal issues could also persist past 13 weeks, along with dizziness, vaginal discharge, and leg cramps.
Your second trimester may not toe the line for the best time of most mum’s pregnancies. But there are angles to approach these midterm complications while preparing for the final and last three months. Here’s what to expect and how you can safeguard your health and that of your growing baby bump.
Which Fetal Developments Characterize the Second Trimester?
During the second trimester, your growing baby’s fetal development is busily taking off. By the end of the first three months, the fetus’ digestive system is fully formed. The placenta, through the umbilical cord, is working overtime to provide adequate nutrition and deal with the resultant waste.
Between 14 and 27 weeks, the fetus reaches milestones like weight and reactive actions like yawning or hiccupping. By the 16th week, your baby’s skin and nails start to form, while hair, including a body-wide downy fur called lanugo, eyelashes, and eyebrows develop.
Week 17 and 18 see your baby’s heart beating according to the brain’s regulation and not erratically anymore. Your doctor can hear that rhythmic beating using a stethoscope at 20 weeks. A month later, capillaries that carry oxygenated blood have formed.
The 22nd to the 26th week see your baby’s senses developing, taking cues from a growing brain. The eyes and ears move into position, and your baby can smell, see and hear. It’s after this that your unborn tot starts to kick with regular precision.
Is It Normal to Feel Unwell During Pregnancy Second Trimester?
To accommodate, nourish and nurture your growing baby, your body must make adjustments. That means you’ll give your system more care and rest, seeing as it’s working double time. While morning sickness has subsided significantly, you’ve put on weight, your belly has grown, and fatigue leaves you drained.
By this time, you’re familiar with the medical routine surrounding your pregnancy. Your midwife may come around to weigh and measure your bumps girth or take blood pressure readings. A series of tests are also done during the 2nd trimester, including ultrasound scans and blood work.
Some exams will target diseases you may have that could affect your baby like hepatitis B, syphilis, or HIV. If any of these infections get found, your gynecologist-obstetrician or other specialists will advise how to better take care of yourself while protecting your child.
What Causes Feeling Unwell During My Second Trimester of Pregnancy?
As well as checks for iron levels this period is when you’ll be scanned for preeclampsia. That’s a dangerous and pregnancy-threatening condition caused by maternal hypertension. You’ll be asked to pee in a cup, which will then be processed for levels of protein or proteinuria. These high amounts indicate you’re at risk.
Other issues that will leave you not feeling well during pregnancy second trimester include;
Muscle Cramps and Aches
Your body aches, and there are some muscular cramps in your lower abdomen. That happens because your uterus is expanding, placing pressure on ligaments and nearby muscles.
If the dull ache pervades on your belly there could also be sharp stabs of pain due to gas, constipation, or intercourse.
Back Pain
Besides that, you’re putting on weight, compressing your backbone, which makes it sore and achy. To ease the pressure to your lower back, ensure proper lumbar support when sitting up straight. Prop up a pillow between your knees when sleeping and make a preference for your left side over your right or back.
You can relieve these muscles, hip, or backaches by bathing in warm water or using a warm towel or water bottle to wrap your lower abdomen. Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes with proper arch support, and avoid lifting or carrying heavy things.
Bleeding Gums
The second trimester can be marked by tender, swollen or bleeding gums due to increased blood flow occasioned by hormonal changes. That causes them to be sensitive and bleed easily, although they should normalize after the birth of your baby.
You must take care with the toothbrush in the meantime, floss, and make all efforts to avoid periodontal disease. According to studies, you’re more likely to deliver a baby with low birth weight or experience premature labor.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
During the second trimester, you may start to feel tightening in your abdominal muscles and uterus. These, as frightening as they can be, aren’t signs of preterm labor but normal symptoms. Braxton Hicks contractions are random but irregular in strength and rhythm, causing more discomfort than actual pain.
Intense activity, a full bladder, sex, or dehydration can bring on Braxton Hicks contractions. Even someone’s touch on your baby bump is sometimes enough to trigger them. Relax by taking a warm bath or sipping some warm chamomile tea. Ensure that you’re properly hydrated and use the chance to practice breathing techniques for labor.
Nosebleeds and Congestion
Congestion happens when your nose’s mucus membrane is made to swell by hormonal changes. That leads to a stuffy nose, sniffles, and snoring at night. You’ll also nosebleed easier, but don’t use a commercial decongestant before talking with your doctor.
Natural methods like saline drops can also work to clear nasal congestion. A humidifier helps by maintaining safer levels of air moisture. Control nosebleeds by holding your head straight instead of tilting it back. Pinch the bridge of your nose until bleeding stops.
Conclusion
One general remedy of not feeling well during pregnancy second trimester is adequate rest. If you can’t get through the night due to discomfort or full bladder waking you up, make up for it with short naps during the day. Ask a relative or friend to assist with household chores so you can catch a breather, or let your husband run those errands.
I’m Cathrine and I’m a 39-year-old mother of 3 from Utica, New York. And I’m extremely happy you’ve come to visit my hide-out on the web. Here I post about everything related to family-life and usually it will involve babies and lessons I’ve learned over the years from experts, friends, and my own mistakes. So hopefully you will find what i write fun and informational!
